It is said that music soothes the soul.
This also
holds true among children who are ill. Foreign health experts recommend the use
of music to deliver positive changes In children’s psychological, physical and cognitive
development and the improvement of the social functioning of children with
health or educational conditions.
According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music therapy is an
interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its
facets-physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help
clients to improve or maintain their health. [1]
In the past, music
has been used as a “healing force”. The Roman god of medicine Aesculapius was
said to cure diseases of the mind by using song and music. In Egyptian temples,
music therapy was also reportedly used for healing. Even ancient Greek physician
Hippocrates played music for his mental patients as early as 400 B.C.[2]
The most extensive account of music in general hospitals appeared during
the first half of the 1900s, when health care practitioners used music in
conjunction with anesthesia and analgesia. [3]
Music therapy
is used on individuals of all ages for a
variety of conditions, which include: psychiatric disorders, medical problems,
physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance
abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. [4]
A theory points to the ability of music
to distract a patient from pain, anxiety and stress as it enables the patient
to focus on something pleasant and encouraging.
When soothing music occupies the mind,
it somehow allows the patient to ‘escape’ into ‘his or her own world’, also facilitating
relaxation for the patient. [5]
Recognizing the Filipinos’ ultimate love
for music and the benefits of music in improving health and healing, GlaxoSmithKline
Philippines, Inc. (“GSK”) instituted the Himig ng Kalinga program supported by
doctor-recommended Paracetamol (Calpol) and in partnership with key hospitals
in GMA and Luzon. The pilot launch of the music therapy activities was led by
prominent TV personality Suzi Abrera at the Philippine Children’s Medical
Center (PCMC) and Cardinal Santos Medical Center recently.
The program aims to bring appropriate and
familiar nursery rhyme songs to in-hospital pediatric patients that will be performed
by the program volunteers. An original song written by well-known song
composer, Jimmy Antiporda, entitled “Gagaling Ka Rin” will also be taught to
the patients and parenssts to further uplift the spirits of these hospitalized children.
GSK Philippines, through its
doctor-recommended and mom-trusted fever reliever Paracetamol (Calpol),
supports the use of music therapy to pave the way for the holistic wellness of
every Filipino child.
[1]Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice citing, American Music Therapy Association
[2] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music
Therapy”, Misic, P., D. Arandjelovic, S. Stanojkovic, S. Vladejic, and J.
Mladenovic. European Psychiatry 1.25 (Jan. 2010): 839. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 9 November 2011
[3] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music
in general hospital treatment from 1900 to 1950.”, Taylor, DB. J Music Ther. 1981: 18 (2): 62-73.
[4] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing “Music
Therapy Research and Practice in Medicine.” Aldridge, D. (1996). London:
Jessica Kingsley
[5] Eusebio, Joselyn C., Music Therapy in Medical Practice, citing Music
as intervention: a notable endeavor to improve patient outcomes. “ White JM. Nurs
Clin North Am. 2001;36(1):83-92.
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